When I repot cactus I wrap it loosely with bubble wrap (usually the stuff with the BIG bubbles). I'm sure it makes my cacti mad since they don't get to stick me repeatedly. I have done this in a modified form with some of our roses as well, wrapping enough for a hand hold rather than the whole plant.
In spring I hope to make a small raised garden around the lamp post in the front yard that will have small cacti & succulents. Guess I need to order something in the next few months since I'm out of bubble wrap at the moment. ;-)
